Two Weeks inside the real Saudi Arabia - Basma Khalifa (DW Documentary)

The Saudi royal family says it is modernizing and has given women more rights. But has the promised liberalization brought genuine change? British fashion designer Basma Khalifa finds out on a visit to her aunts in Saudi Arabia.

A daughter of immigrants from Saudi Arabia, Basma Khalifa never really felt quite at home in London. Torn between two cultures, she decides to visit Saudi Arabia to discover if she could actually live there.

Once there, Basma quickly discovers how difficult it is for her to adjust to life in the deeply conservative Muslim society of her parent’s former homeland. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has begun to liberalize the kingdom, but the murder of exiled government critic Jamal Khashoggi shows a dark side of the new Saudi Arabia.

Even in "liberal" Jeddah, Basma finds her life hampered by many strictures and taboos. This documentary follows her as she delves into Saudi society and gains a unique perspective on daily life in a country that turns its face inward. Viewers also experience how Basma runs afoul of Saudi authorities who have her under surveillance.

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